Order of Canada ceremony invests 48 new recipients, including NBA star Steve Nash

Governor General David Johnston presided over an Order of Canada investiture ceremony at Rideau Hall on Friday, as 48 distinguished Canadians joined or were promoted up the ranks.

The honourees included NBA star Steve Nash, Nobel Prize winning scientist Arthur McDonald and actor Graham Greene. 

The three tiers of the order are Companion, Officer, and Member. Friday's ceremony included two Companions, four Officers and 42 Members.

The Order of Canada was created in 1967, during Canada's centennial year, to recognize outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation. Since its creation, more than 6 000 people have been invested. 

Here are the citations provided by the governor general's office for each of the recipients:

Companions

Arthur B. McDonald C.C

Kingston, Ontario

Thanks to Arthur McDonald, we have solved one of the mysteries of our solar system. In what is  now a Nobel Prize-winning breakthrough accomplished two kilometres underground at the Sudbury Neutrino Observatory, he steered a major experiment that conclusively demonstrated that a class of solar particles undergoes transformation on its way to Earth. This finding has shed  light on the very nature of matter in our universe, and spawned a range of new particle physics research.Also a professor emeritus at Queen's University, he has been a prominent ambassador of Canadian science through his service on advisory committees and as a keynote speaker at conferences the world over.

This is a promotion within the order

Janet Rossant, C.C.

Toronto, Ontario

Janet Rossant has challenged existing paradigms and established entirely new concepts in developmental biology. As a professor at the University of Toronto, she has characterized genes that are critical to the earliest stages of embryonic development and discovered control systems that enable cell differentiation. Her globally renowned research is foundational to the development of new treatments for a range of conditions including cancer and degenerative diseases. Also a gifted administrator, she served for a decade as the chief of research at the Hospital for Sick Children and has presided over leading international societies in her field.

​Officers

Daniel J. Drucker, O.C.

Daniel Drucker has expanded the treatment landscape for people living with diabetes. A Canada Research Chair and professor at the University of Toronto, he has identified the role of specific intestinal hormones in regulating glucose and insulin levels, and demonstrated how these hormones can be used to improve patient care. His research has enabled the development of three medicinal therapies now used by millions of people around the world for the treatment of diabetes and intestinal disorders.

Paul D. N. Herbert, O.C

Puslinch, Ontario

Paul Hebert's groundbreaking research on DNA barcoding has provided an unparalleled platform for species discovery and identification. A professor of integrative biology and Canada Research Chair in Molecular Biodiversity at the University of Guelph, he has improved the security of our food supply by controlling invasive species and protecting the environment.  He also leads the Biodiversity Institute of Ontario and the International Barcode of Life Consortium, a worldwide project aimed at cataloguing all life forms in a publicly accessible database.

Stephen Nash, O.C., O.B.C.

Victoria, British Columbia and Manhattan Beach, California, United States of America 

Steve Nash is one of Canada's best-known athletes and sports ambassadors. His outstanding play on the basketball court is matched only by his passion for helping others.  Named the NBA's most valuable player two years in a row, as well as Canadian athlete of the year several times, he has also been recognized for his unstinting support of various charitable causes. He established the Steve Nash Foundation to assist underserved children in Canada, the United States and Paraguay. His exceptional commitment to the game of basketball and to the welfare of children has made him an inspirational leader and role model for youth.

Stephen J. Toope, O.C.

Toronto, Ontario

Legal scholar Stephen Toope is a thoughtful voice in higher education and international law. As dean of law at McGill University and as president of the University of British Columbia, he led curriculum renewal in legal education and advanced post-secondary research and innovation. Founding CEO of the Trudeau Foundation, he is also a leading authority in international human rights, and is sought after for his expertise and advice by social justice organizations and governments in Canada and around the world.

Members

William A. Black, C.M.

Halifax, Nova Scotia

William Black has greatly influenced the business and community sectors of Atlantic Canada. As president and CEO of Maritime Life, he was highly regarded for being a values-based employer who placed a premium on respect in the workplace and on the importance of customer service. Committed to developing leaders, he coaches emerging and established executives, and has been sought after to serve on regional and national boards. His outspoken and thoughtful comments on Nova Scotia's public policy issues speak to his enthusiasm and optimism for his region. 

Denise Bombardier, C.M., C.Q.

Montréal, Quebec

Journalist, television host, columnist, novelist and essayist, Denise Bombardier has made her mark in Quebec and throughout the French-speaking world. Of note, she has worked in television at Radio-Canada for over 30 years, where she was the first woman to produce and host a public affairs program. An adept interviewer and prolific author, she has published some 20 works and written articles for newspapers and magazines in Canada and France. She is also renowned as a passionate advocate for the French language. 

Nathalie Bondil, C.M., C.Q.

Montréal, Quebec

Nathalie Bondil is an inspiring museologist known for her vitality, creativity and openness. As both the director and chief curator of the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, she developed an outstanding social and educational mission, oversaw the museum's expansion with the creation of two new pavilions, and put together multidisciplinary exhibitions to reach as many people as possible. Under her leadership, the institution doubled its attendance figures and joined the exclusive ranks of museums that have welcomed one million visitors in a single year. Through her efforts, the museum also became Canada's leading exporter of exhibitions to museums in other countries.

Beverley Boys, C.M.

Surrey, British Columbia Beverley Boys is an icon in the sport of diving, as an athlete, judge and coach. As a diver, she won 34 Canadian championships and dived in every major international competition. As a judge of both national and international competitions, she is highly respected for working collaboratively with colleagues to advance the sport, and for mentoring and training new officials and judges. As a coach, she works with young divers, developing them into future Olympians. 

Blake Brooker, C.M.

Calgary, Alberta

Blake Brooker's imagination and creativity have enriched Alberta's contemporary theatre scene. Co-founder of One Yellow Rabbit theatre company, he has written and directed innovative and provocative pieces, including Somalia Yellow and Kawasaki Exit, which have challenged audiences both at home and abroad. He has inspired and mentored many young theatre artists through his teaching of master classes and workshops, and through his shared leadership of the ensemble's summer intensive program. 

Peter Calamai, C.M.

Ottawa, Ontario

Peter Calamai is an advocate for science, literacy and journalistic professionalism. As a correspondent, editor and science reporter, notably for Southam News, the Ottawa Citizen and the Toronto Star, he demonstrated a strong commitment to public issues and was acclaimed for his spot news reporting and feature writing. A founding member of the Canadian Science Writers' Association and founding director of the Science Media Centre of Canada, he has worked to promote accurate scientific reporting. He is also known for his award-winning 1987 series on the issue of adult illiteracy in Canada and has since become a tireless champion of the cause. 

Bruce D. Campbell, C.M.

Winnipeg, Manitoba

Bruce Campbell has played an important role in shaping our agri-food industry. He established a small feed mill in rural Manitoba that became one of Canada's leading agribusiness companies known for its innovation, people-first culture and support for rural communities. He has also contributed his expertise to the governance of the industry. He generously supports educational causes, notably at the University of Manitoba, where the Bruce D. Campbell Farm and Food Discovery Centre serves to enhance our understanding of how food is made.

Pat Capponi, C.M., O.Ont.

Toronto, Ontario

After enduring her own struggles with depression and poverty, Pat Capponi has worked to improve the lives of the homeless and those living with mental illness. As an advocate, she has served on mental health committees and on the boards of non-profit organizations including the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. She also helped launch Voices from the Street, a leadership and public-speaking program for those living in poverty. In addition, she has written seven books, including a mystery series, that help shed light on the lives of marginalized people. 

Susan M. W. Cartwright, C.M.

Ottawa, Ontario

Susan Cartwright has helped advance the principles of good governance at home and abroad. As Canada's ambassador to Hungary, and earlier in Kenya, Nigeria and India, she supported democratic reform and economic liberalization. Subsequently, she held senior roles in the federal government, through which she led the development of the Federal Accountability Act and reviewed the Public Service Modernization Act, two key initiatives designed to strengthen management, accountability and efficiency. In addition, she fosters citizen engagement through her work with The Ottawa Hospital Foundation. 

Wayne Suk Wing Chiu, C.M.

Calgary, Alberta

With perseverance and entrepreneurial acumen, Wayne Chiu turned his experiences as a new immigrant into a success story. Overcoming economic and personal challenges, he founded and built Trico Homes into a thriving business. He then set up a charitable foundation that funds loans for immigrants to obtain Canadian professional qualifications, and programs that provide foreign-trained professionals with practical Canadian work experience. He is also committed to promoting social enterprise, innovation and capacity-building in the non-profit sector. 

John V. Cross, C.M., S.O.M.

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

John Cross is a leading biotechnology entrepreneur. Co-founder and president of one of Saskatchewan's earliest biotech companies, he is best known for pioneering the use of environmentally friendly, crop-boosting microbes that have increased yields, improved farmers' livelihoods and transformed the industry worldwide. He is also highly regarded for his commitment to science and innovation, having served on the boards of many provincial and national research organizations, and for his active engagement in the life of his community. 

Conrad Charles Daellenbach, C.M.

Toronto, Ontario

Music entrepreneur and tuba player Chuck Daellenbach has helped popularize classical music in Canada. He co-founded the Canadian Brass in 1970, which has become an internationally renowned classical music ensemble. The only remaining founder still performing with the group, he has turned it into a launching pad for some of Canada's most successful brass players, and was a driving force behind the development of its interactive and entertaining performance style. With its indisputable skill and uncommon accessibility, the group has helped kick-start a now-global movement to demystify classical music and broaden its traditional audience.

Linda Gaboriau, C.M.

Montréal, Quebec

Lauded for her ability to translate the meaning and spirit of the French language, Linda Gaboriau has brought French-Canadian theatre to a broader English audience. Over the past three decades, she has translated more than 100 texts, including such major works of contemporary Quebec literature as Les Feluettes (Lilies) and Incendies (Scorched), which became widely known in English Canada and the United States. She has also helped to build bridges between our Francophone and Anglophone cultures as the founding director of the Banff International Literary Translation Centre, the first such institution in the Americas. 

Graham Greene, C.M.

Stratford, Ontario

Graham Greene is one of Canada's most prolific and iconic actors. He has appeared in over 100 different films and television series, notably the Academy Award-winning Dances with Wolves and the long-running "North of 60." With talent and natural presence, he has broken the mould that previously typecast Aboriginal characters and has blazed a trail for the next generation of actors. A veteran of the Stratford Festival, he also serves as a role model, especially in his home community of Six Nations of the Grand River. 

Kathryn Jane Nightingale Hannah, C.M.

Calgary, Alberta

Kathryn Hannah is a pioneer in the field of nursing informatics in Canada. As an academic and a health care administrator, she has published foundational works and created practical applications of information technology to improve nursing practice. She was instrumental in the development of data standards that track the care of patients, which has allowed doctors and nurses to measure patient outcomes and which has provided governments with data to influence health policy. She also contributed to setting international standards in terminology, facilitating the comparison of nursing data across populations, settings and time. 

Stewart Harris, C.M.

London, Ontario

Stewart Harris has dedicated his career to improving diabetes care among vulnerable populations. In the early 1990s, he served as the medical director for the Sioux Lookout Program in northern Ontario, where he helped identify a major epidemic of diabetes and highlighted the prevalence of the disease. As a professor and chair in diabetes management at Western University, he has helped lead initiatives to track and reduce diabetes in other First Nations communities, and remains at the forefront of designing and implementing nationwide public health strategies. 

Bill Henderson, C.M.

Salt Spring Island, British Columbia 

Over a career spanning nearly five decades, Bill Henderson has left his mark on the music industry. As a guitarist and singer with the band Chilliwack, he recorded such hits as "Whatcha Gonna Do" and "My Girl (Gone, Gone, Gone)". He also went on to establish an international reputation as a songwriter and producer. Fervent in his defence of songwriters and recording artists, he has championed for increased copyright protection and has worked to organize associations designed to protect the rights and commercial interests of musicians.

Russ Howard, C.M., O.N.L.

Moncton, New Brunswick

Russ Howard has helped raise the profile of curling in Canada and around the world. A legendary athlete, he is a two-time Canadian and world champion and a 2006 Olympic gold medallist. Known for his emphatic "hurry hard" on the ice, he also invented the Free Guard Zone, a rule that added strategy and excitement to the game. He shares his passion for the game as a coach and mentor, a popular broadcaster and a supporter of many charitable causes. 

John G. Kelton, C.M.

Dundas, Ontario

John Kelton has made critical advances in his medical specialty and has helped elevate the health science community in Ontario. A hematologist and professor at McMaster University, he conducted influential studies on platelet and bleeding disorders, particularly among pregnant women, and developed effective treatment strategies for their care. As a result, physicians are now able to avoid unnecessary interventions. More recently, as vice-president and dean of health sciences, he has fostered a climate of research excellence, and created regional training campuses in Ontario communities where the need for health care is greatest. 

Jay Keystone, C.M.

Toronto, Ontario

Jay Keystone is one of Canada's foremost experts in tropical and travel medicine. A professor at the University of Toronto for nearly four decades, he has trained generations of practitioners and has been a sought-after global speaker on the diagnosis and management of tropical diseases, as well as on the health maintenance of international travellers. Also a renowned clinician, he raised the standard of care for individuals infected with exotic pathogens as the director of the Tropical Disease Unit at the Toronto General Hospital. His record of leadership extends to the presidency of national and international societies in his field.

Laurence Klotz, C.M.

Toronto, Ontario

Laurence Klotz has expanded the treatment options for early-stage prostate cancer. He is a professor at the University of Toronto, the former chief of urology at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, and the chair of the World Urologic Oncology Federation. Over the course of two decades, he challenged conventional practice and demonstrated that, in cases of low-risk prostate cancer, careful monitoring and only the most necessary of interventions save many menfrom unnecessary surgery and its related complications. This approach, known as active surveillance, has become a cornerstone of care in clinical centres around the world.

Douglas Knight, C.M.

Toronto, Ontario

One of Canada's leading publishers, Douglas Knight is an ardent supporter of the arts. Through a period of enormous change in the world of media he has been a constant, never fearing to adapt and innovate. His voluntary service to publishing has also been extensive and includes leadership of the Writers' Trust of Canada and Magazines Canada. He is well known for his bold vision of Canada as an 'Arts Nation,' and for his careful stewardship of such national institutions as the Governor General's Performing Arts Awards.

Julia Koschitzky, C.M.

Toronto, Ontario

Julia Koschitzky's generosity has strengthened the climate of religious tolerance and respect in this country.  A prominent leader of the Canadian Jewish community, she has supported Jewish-focused educational programming at the primary and post-secondary levels. Notable is her leadership and patronage of the internationally renowned Centre for Jewish Studies at York University. She also spearheaded the creation of the Canada House community centre, an important site of cultural exchange and interfaith co-operation in the core of Jerusalem.

Johann O. Koss, C.M.

Toronto, Ontario and Drammen, Norway

Johann Koss has left his mark both as an Olympian and a social entrepreneur. As an Olympic speed skater representing Norway, he won 4 gold medals and set 10 world records, achieving iconic status in his sport. Leading by example, he also rallied his fellow athletes to use their public profile to raise money for charitable causes. After his Olympic career, he moved to Canada and founded Right To Play International, a not-for-profit organization that uses sport and play to build quality education programs, improve health, develop life skills and foster peace among children and in communities in some of the most disadvantaged areas of the world.

Ginette Laurin, C.M.

Montréal, Quebec

Renowned as both a choreographer and an exceptional dancer, Ginette Laurin is considered one of the leading figures of contemporary dance. Artistic director of O Vertigo, a dance company she also founded, she has created eclectic works that have been performed around the world and has developed choreographies for other companies. Throughout her career, she has been actively engaged as an educator and instructor at various universities, theatre schools and O Vertigo's Creation Centre in an effort to foster innovation and develop her discipline. 

Ophelia Lazaridis, C.M.

Wellesley, Ontario

Ophelia Lazaridis is an exemplar of community leadership and engaged philanthropy. When the Stratford Festival was struggling with decreased attendance as a result of the economic recession, her patronage ensured that it would not have to reduce performances to meet its budgetary constraints. A graduate of the University of Waterloo, she has also taken an active interest in steering its course as a member of its board of governors. She continues to champion a number of other worthy causes in her region including the Waterloo Public Library and the Warriors Swim Club.

Adeera Levin, C.M.

Vancouver, British Columbia

Adeera Levin has made transformative contributions to the treatment of kidney disease. She was a key figure in the modernization of global clinical practice guidelines to prevent kidney failure at its early stages, and is a leader in the fight against human organ trafficking. In her own province she heads the Division of Nephrology at the University of British Columbia, and is the long-time executive director of the BC Renal Agency, an organization that has improved patient outcomes by ensuring timely and accessible access to kidney services. Recently, she became the first Canadian and second woman to be elected president of the International Society of Nephrology.

H. Susan Lewis, C.M., O.M.

Winnipeg, Manitoba

Susan Lewis' belief in the greater good has led her to improve the lives of many Manitobans. Former president and CEO of the United Way of Winnipeg, she is highly regarded for her ability to establish partnerships and engage citizens in community-building endeavours, notably the Winnipeg Poverty Reduction Council and the city's Learning and Innovation Centre. At the national level, she has served on numerous United Way committees and is an advisory member of Imagine Canada. Now retired, she continues to mentor the next generation of social innovators. 

J. Mark Lievonen, C.M.

Stouffville, Ontario

A leader in the pharmaceutical industry, Mark Lievonen is also a passionate contributor to public policy debates. He has led the expansion of Sanofi Pasteur Limited, positioning the company as a global biotechnology enterprise and a symbol of Canadian innovation. He has also been an advisor on health and drug access policy for the federal and provincial governments. In addition, he founded Sanofi Biogenius Canada, a student program that encourages aspiring scientists to pursue leading edge research.

Dan Needles, C.M.

Nottawa, Ontario

Dan Needles is a writer who celebrates Canada's rural communities. He is best known as the creator of the Wingfield stage comedies, a collection of one-man plays about a Torontonian stockbroker who quits his job to become an Ontario farmer. He has been praised for capturing the essence of Canada's farming communities and for generating much-needed artistic opportunities in theatres outside of Canada's major cities. His works rank amongst Canadian theatre's most popular and longest-running productions. 

Anthony Phillips, C.M.

Vancouver, British Columbia

Professor of psychiatry at the University of British Columbia, Anthony Phillips is regarded as a leading expert in brain function and behaviour. His research has helped to advance knowledge of addiction and has contributed to the development of the study of schizophrenia, depression and mania. He has facilitated collaborations between leading Canadian scientists and researchers in Europe and Asia, and also enhanced Canadian research capacity in the neurosciences. He has also been at the forefront of commercializing research breakthroughs to help repair the injured brain. 

Mohamed Iqbal Ravalia, C.M.

Twillingate, Newfoundland and Labrador

Mohamed Ravalia is a local hero in Twillingate. A physician, he came to rural Newfoundland 30 years ago to fill a locum and never left. His passion for rural medicine has benefited local residents who value his patient-centred approach. He has inspired medical students to practice in this area and then remain in the province. Highly regarded for speaking out for better medical services in remote areas, he has helped patients, doctors, administrators and governments work together to improve the health care system. He is also deeply involved in civic life, supporting initiatives that benefit his beloved community.

Louise Richer, C.M.

Montréal, Quebec

Louise Richer has had a significant impact on Quebec's comedy landscape. Former artistic co-director of Les Lundis Juste pour rire, she is especially well known as the founder and executive director of the École nationale de l'humour, the first of its kind in the world, which she developed into an internationally respected institution. Known for her acting talents, she has also worked as artistic director and director of major televised events, such as the "Gala Les Olivier" and the "Bye Bye" specials.

 Lawrence Rossy, C.M., O.Q

Mont Royal, Quebec

Larry Rossy is a home-grown success story. Founder of Dollarama, he opened its first store in rural Quebec and has since expanded operations to every province in the country, making it the leading discount retail chain in Canada. He is also highly regarded within the retail industry for sharing best practices with others. In addition, his philanthropy is exemplified in the Rossy Cancer Network, a comprehensive cancer system within the McGill University Health Network dedicated to world class outcomes.

Bonnie Schmidt, C.M.

London, Ontario

Bonnie Schmidt has heightened Canada's science culture and strengthened our innovation economy. Following her doctoral studies in physiology, she founded Let's Talk Science to foster an appreciation for science, technology, engineering and math among young people. Over two decades, she has built this organization into a cornerstone of science literacy in Canada, offering programming to hundreds of thousands of elementary and high school-aged students each year. She also helped establish the Science and Technology Awareness Network, and serves on a number of advisory committees.

Marla Shapiro, C.M.

North York, Ontario

Marla Shapiro is a leading voice in the public conversation on health care in Canada. As a television personality, columnist and author, she has earned the public's trust and respect for demystifying the complex world of family medicine. She is also known for sharing her own experiences to empower others to live through life's difficult challenges. Her passion for women's health has benefited patients in her practice as well as the broader public, as she provides the knowledge, support and tools they require to take greater control of their own health and well-being.

Susan Sherwin, C.M.

Halifax, Nova Scotia

Susan Sherwin is a pioneer in the field of feminist bioethics. Professor emerita of philosophy at Dalhousie University, she wrote the first book that combined feminist philosophy with health care ethics to examine contemporary health issues through a feminist lens. Her internationally renowned scholarship has fused philosophy and medicine with law and social sciences, and has transformed the conversation on bioethics, particularly through her research on disability, reproductive rights and public health ethics. She is also a highly regarded mentor and respected leader of national and international professional associations.

E. Leigh Syms, C.M.

Winnipeg, Manitoba

Never satisfied with knowledge for its own sake, in all that he has done Leigh Syms has emphasized the importance of communicating archaeological discoveries to the public. A long-time curator at the Manitoba Museum, he built a bridge between archaeologists and Canada's First peoples through his work. Aboriginal citizens have rediscovered their heritage through exhibits he has curated in their own communities and through their involvement in the interpretation of the artifacts he has found. His mentoring, public workshops and voluntary service have also inspired others to become amateur and professional archaeologists.

Serge Patrice Thibodeau, C.M.

Moncton, New Brunswick

Serge Patrice Thibodeau is one of the leading figures in Acadian literature. A poet and essayist, he has several works and texts to his name that have been translated into some 20 languages and which have earned him prestigious honours and awards. As director of Éditions Perce-Neige, he has also published works of contemporary Acadian literature and compiled out-of-print and forgotten works that are important to Acadian heritage. He is also known for his volunteerism, and is a champion of French-Canadian culture and human rights.

Peter Valentine, C.M.

Calgary, Alberta

Alberta has benefited from Peter Valentine's wisdom on matters of finance, governance and accountability. As the auditor general of Alberta, he earned a reputation as a trusted officer of the legislature who quietly advanced the management of public funds and the effectiveness of the Alberta public service. Without fanfare, he has similarly applied his expertise to improve the administration of several key provincial institutions, including the Calgary Health Region, the Alberta Securities Commission and the University of Calgary. 

Carolyn Ruth Wilson, C.M.

Kingston, Ontario

Ruth Wilson has been a lifelong leader in family medicine. After a decade as a rural physician in underserved communities in Newfoundland, Ontario and British Columbia, she became a professor and chair of the Department of Family Medicine at Queen's University. She then led the creation of family health teams in Ontario, which resulted in improved patient access to primary care. She has also been influential at the national level as president of both the College of Family Physicians of Canada and of the North American region of the World Organization of Family doctors.

Phyllis Yaffe, C.M.

Toronto, Ontario

Phyllis Yaffe is a powerhouse in Canadian media. A leader first in book publishing and then in television and film, she has advanced the interests and growth of our cultural industry, most recently as head of Alliance Atlantis Communications. There, she spearheaded the launch of Showcase Television and History Television, among other specialty channels. Active on many industry and cultural boards, she is particularly passionate about her role as founder and chair of Women Against Multiple Sclerosis, a collective of professional women dedicated to raising research funds to find a cure.